hiya
The English word "no" is translated to Lakota as hiya.
hiya is a particle used to express disagreement or negation.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Did you know?
- The word hiya can sometimes be used as an exclamation of surprise or even a way to express 'oh!', rather than a literal negation.
- The Lakota language is polysynthetic, which means a single complex word can express an entire English sentence. In these cases, hiya is not needed because the negation is built directly into the long word.
- While 'hiya' is a common way to say 'no', a speaker might simply use a single, sharp, aspirated sound to negate a statement without using a formal word at all.
Examples in context
- Hiya, tȟatȟáŋka wala.No, there is no buffalo.
- Hiya, wačháŋtognaka.No, I am not hungry.
Example conversation
Glenda asks Curtis if he is hungry.
- GlendaCurtis, tȟéya tȟéwa tȟúka?Curtis, are you hungry?
- CurtisHiya, tȟéya tȟéwa.No, I am not hungry.
- GlendaMaȟpíya tȟéya wašté?Is the food good?
- CurtisHiya, maȟpíya wašté.No, it is not good.
